1960 Dash Pad, filler removal AND restore or PVC cap?

[PersianLimeFiremist]

I can not find in the shop manual the removal instructions for this cruise control filler plate. It seems to be screwed on from the front somehow under the chrome bezel, but how does the bezel come off?

Also, pad is cracked. I see PVC replacement caps for less than $200, or send it to Just Dashes for $1000+. Has anyone tried one of these caps? Is it worth all the extra $$ to have it recovered by Just Dashes?  Thanks Bob

[brian faull clc#25881]

The cruise delete is just held in with small spring clips. Spray the perimeter with some Glass cleaner and use a nylon tool to work around the edge and gently pry it out. Be careful or you will Crack the dash pad. The slip over dash caps look OK for a daily driver if you take your time installing them. Not good for a really nice car though. You can tell the difference though. Also last I checked just dashes was over $2200.00. Not $1000.00. You can also check with the dash specialists. They did a couple for me and turned out great.

[n2caddies]

Brian is right. Don't be tempted to use a small screw driver as it will crack. I've used the small blue plastic ones from harbor freight and some silicone spray on mine. If you are keeping your car I would have the cover redone. Have not seen any alternative to the restoration just dashes or dash specialist do that doesn't look like what it is. I've used them both years ago and they still look good as new.
Randy

[Dave Burke]

Hi Bob,

I know that pain!  I went ahead and got a PVC cover for my 1957 SDV and it looks just fine.  Unless I was doing Concours-level restoration, I would do that.

Best,

Dave Burke

[Ken Perry]

To get the filler bezel out,there is a notch on both sides that I made a L shaped tool to grab. Pull out a little on one side then the other,repeat a littlle at a time till it comes out. Don't let the tool slip,it will scratch the chrome. You need to make the tool flat,where it grabs.   Ken Perry

[PersianLimeFiremist]

Thanks guys. For the record Just Dashes quoting $2200 plus shipping, 12 week turnaround. Dash Specialists quoting $1500 + shipping, with 4 weeks.

[jwjohnson86]

I have never heard of anyone trying this process themselves, or if it is the process the specialists are using.  But the instructions on the website for restoring a dash using products offered by the Urethane Supply Company are somewhat intriguing.  On my 1970 DeVille, the dash pad issue I have is a crack on the lower curved center protrusion, probably from middle seat passengers banging it with their knees over the years.  Anyway, just sharing, I'm sure the specialist companies do an amazing job if you have the cash to spend.  Good luck.

http://www.urethanesupply.com/Repair-Cracked-Dashboard/

[Glen]

Wow! Just Dashes has doubled their price in 10 years.

Or is it the dollar has lost half its value in 10 years? 

[David Greenburg]

I recently (last year) used Dash Specialists, in part due to price and in part due to the shorter turnaround.  Wound up being a couple of weeks longer than the promised 4, but its basically a one-man operation, so I guess that is not surprising.  I'm happy with the dash, although the skin doesn't seem quite as thick as the original, so you need to be very careful when installing so that you don't gouge any edges.  The hardest part was shipping it securely.  Go to a body shop and ask for a fender box. 

[Whit]

Has anyone covered their dash with leather? Seems like an alternative that could look very nice.

Whit